Maxing the Closet

I was feeling a little sporty when I threw on this hooded vest yesterday. My goal was to help a dear friend with a deep, closet clean-out, and I wanted to be comfortable and ready to dive in and wade through the mountain of clothing we would be sifting through.

I was all about planning and timeliness, which meant no hair time first thing in the morning. But the great thing about this hoodie is its got a built in "bad hair day" fix!

Following on my unintentional theme of black and white, I added grey to my choice of clothing this week.

Hooded Cardi: Romeo and Juliet Couture, Heels: ShoeMint, Jeans andTank: LF Store, Purse: Paul &Joe Sister

I can't recommend enough doing a bi-annual overhaul of your wardrobe. Most of us don't know/remember half of what we own. Try to be really honest about what you wear and you'll find that most of your key items only account for about 25% of your closet. The rest is composed of specialty items, impulse buys, and stuff you just don't use.When you knock out those pieces and re-sell them, you're free to invest in the items that stay the test of time.

With Love,

Noa B

Romancing in Eyelet

Summer is the best time to fall in love with your boho/vintage self. After all, what better time to experiment with billowing fabrics, maxi dresses, and flowing hemlines?

While I love bright prints and retro fabrics that announce themselves, there's something so pure about white cotton. the 1960's/70's worshiper in me loves the loud design, but the minimalist in me loves white and black.

A little turquoise necklace and matching, green eyeliner are all the color I require.

Dress:Vintage, (available at my Etsy store here), Necklace: Boutique, Hat: H&M, Sandals: Sam Edelman

With Love,

Noa B

Leather, Metal, and Lace

Going for last minute drinks at sunset? A little utility works when you know it's about to cool down for the evening. My staple is often jeans with heels and a flattering t-shirt. To switch it up, try coated denim, waxed jeans, or pleather. Even in the summer it can get pretty cool if you're near the water at night. Swap the white tee for white lace and sandals for moto-boots.

 A fedora, a statement necklace, and heels with hardware add a little edge.

Top: LF Store, Boots: ShoeMint, Necklace: JewelMint, Pants: VeroModa

I'm headed to a concert tonight and I think I'll delve into my moto wardrobe once again. I do love my summer dresses, but every now and then biker-chic can still rock in the summertime.

With Love,

Noa B

Post Como Change-Up

Following on the heels of yesterday's post, I returned from our day trip to Lake Como and quickly changed my top and gladiator sandals to something equally loose and comfy, but with an edge.

 

 Yup, rockin' short booties with lots of metal for an early evening out in the canals.

 With the neon bandeau still in use...

Skirt: Free People, Boots: ShoeMint, Tank: LF Stores, Lariat: JewelMint Collective, Bag: L.A.M.B.

Gotta love that 5 minute, wardrobe switch-out.

With Love,

Noa B

La Dolce Vita

Last week while traveling in northern Italy Ross and I took a day trip with friends to Lake Como. Although the train schedule limited our touring time, we managed to land at Bellagio and have a blissfully bucolic lunch nestled in the hills and overlooking the water.

I was feeling very Dolce Vita and the weather was sweltering, so I opted for a lace crop top with a neon bandeau for a pop of color as well as ventilation.

The location was gorgeous, the scenery was amazing, and of course the cheese plates were... well, what else can you say about a plate of good, Italian cheese? A glass of Prosecco, some amazing appetizers, and a view of the rolling hills. It was bliss.

Skirt: Free People, Top: Tilden, Sandals: Sam Edelman, Bag: Hammitt

I'll make it a goal to get back to Italy with a longer stay in Como, because half the fun of travel is dreaming of the places you'll return to!

With Love,

Noa B

Milano, Ciao!

Last week I flew to Milan for a brief, 5 day visit. I loved the city, which among other things is known for its fashion and design. On top of that, I arrived during Fashion Week, which turned out to be an unexpected bonus!

On one of my first days walking the city I strolled to the Duomo to visit the Museum of the 900, as well as take in a Klimt exhibit going on at the Palazzo Reale. It was a day simply packed with art, and I think I subconsciously donned a long, Kimono cover in homage to Klimt's women.

The weather was extremely humid, and I abandoned any idea of wearing pants 24 hours into the trip. Thank goodness I loaded up with sundresses when packing!

  Dress: Final Touch, Kimono: Mono B,  Necklace: Boutique, Bag: L.A.M.B., Sandals: Zara

It was a week filled with art, day trips, fashion, and parties. More to come soon!

With Love,

Noa B

Free People Cozy

Last Friday I got up the guts to hack off about 4/5 inches of my rapidly, end-splitting mane. I wasn't happy about it. Like so many women I've been attempting unsuccessfully to grow length for about 4 years. But my hair had "had it". So I figured I'd shoot something with long hair one last time...

This Free People combo was the coziest thing I put on right before I left for the cut. It's a shift dress made of a muslin-esque cotton, and the FP sweatshirt I layered over it feels like fleece despite the paillettes. I needed the emotional equivalent of pajamas to be able to face the oncoming scissors.

 

Sigh. Bye, bye longer hair. I hope you return to me in 6-12 months...

 Dress and Sweatshirt: FreePeople, Heels: Shoe Mint

With Love,

Noa B

Graduating Hemlines

This past weekend I attended a graduation ceremony for several friends receiving their doctoral degrees at UCLA. After a couple of fits and starts deciding what to wear my adorable hubby asked me why I wasn't making use of all the pretty dresses hanging limply in my closet. He was right of course. I fall into the habit of saving clothing for various "occasions" and then I forget to make use of them.

So I pulled this maxi number I'd only worn on NYE and it turned out to be perfectly suited to the weather, as well as the occasion.

Admittedly, my leg seems a bit pale, but I do love the front opening, that adjusts as you walk.

 Dress: ALC, Sandals: ShoeMint, Necklace: JewelMint Collective, Hat: Target. Earrings: Tres Jolie

I think that one of the keys to happiness in life is in making everything and anything an "occasion". There's a lot to celebrate, and it's good to remember why we mark moments and commemorate people and things.

With Love,
Noa B

Free People Rerun

I'm such a Free People addict, so naturally I tend to repeat my favorite dresses. This one is a dual offender on the blog, but I love the combination of gauzy cotton and crocheted lace. It's super versatile!

The last time I wore it I paired it with a boho hairband and booties. This time it's biker boots and a fedora. Although the dress is girly and feminine a little black leather works just as well as dainty sandals or little heels.

Dress: Free People, Hat: Target, Necklace: Boutique, Boots: BCBG

How do you rock your Boho?

With Love,

Noa B

Beachtime Dressing

Yesterday was a perfect, summer day and what better way to spend it then supping directly on the sand at "Back on the Beach" Café. A place to go when you prefer your food served with both feet planted firmly in warm, white sand.

This strapless cotton sheath was the perfect choice for fun in the sun. Breathable and lightweight, I paired it with a little denim jacket, vintage jewels and gladiators.

Dress: From a fashion truck, Jacket: Thrifted, Necklace: Vintage, Sandals: Zara

I love easy, Sunday styling. A little sun dress with a twist makes it so simple.

With Love,

Noa B